Fedora Linux vs. Microsoft Windows

For experimental use, test lab situations, or very special-purpose tasks, Fedora [Linux] is an excellent choice. We are almost exclusively a CentOS shop for our production stuff, but in labs, we take more risks with things like Ubuntu or Fedora. It's not as appropriate as CentOS for production level endeavors, but it lets us know "this is where we could be going" when we engage in r&d tasks.

Incentivized

The vast majority of business applications require it. There are some equivalents available on Linux for most applications, for example Gimp as an alternative for Photoshop, or thunderbird for Outlook, but some very specific apps require it to run correctly. Wine is difficult to configure and use, and can create instability. As a result, it is pretty much always recommended.

Incentivized

• frequent updates
• DNF as the package manager
• strong focus on security

Incentivized

• Great integration with my business accounting software Quickbooks
• Great integration with Microsoft Office 365
• Easy to find files that I haven't used in awhile with search feature
• Simple, easy to find listing of programs available

Incentivized

• Stability. It's good, but it's not anything like CentOS for stability
• End-user usability. It has a few glaring holes here and there with UI/UX

Incentivized

• Forced updates occasionally have bad timing when ignored for too long
• Microsoft Edge Web Browser is a bit clunky
• The 3D desktop still needs some improvement

This is a personal preference based on working with hundreds of client projects, I prefer Ubuntu over Fedora Linux.

Incentivized

I would rate the usability very high. Most of the world is familiar with Windows in some way. Most businesses use Windows in some form so even if someone is going from one business to another it can be an easy transition in that sense. Windows is usually compatible with most applications that can be installed to suit many different usage scenarios and needs for businesses.

Incentivized

support remains spotty, researching online articles are a pain

Incentivized

MDT helped deploy OS to users machines via PXE boot.

Incentivized

We are an all-CentOS-shop, but we've done a number of things with Ubuntu and Fedora. Most of the production CentOS machines are only there because prior to that Fedora helped to blaze the trail to get there. It's been a very good platform for testing our new ideas. Ubuntu is similarly positioned in our organization, but Fedora stacks up well in our environment.

Incentivized

Windows runs literally every piece of software I need to work. Installations are usually quick and uncomplicated, and configuration is usually quite simple, rarely requiring finding config files and editing them manually. I chose Windows only because I had no other choice, given the requirements of my job. Because I am experienced in Linux and am not afraid to dig deep for troubleshooting and configuration, Linux is preferable to me in general. Windows requires frequent updates that also require frequent reboots, and the longer you use it the more bloated it gets. If I were able to convinec my superiors to allow it, I would be running Windows 11 as a VM inside of Linux Mint or Debian.

Incentivized

• Shorter LTS means more administrator work
• Security patches help reduce vulnerabilities to help save money

Incentivized

• Positively effects our easy of use of other programs
• Take it for granted because it is so transparent in use
• Definitely worth the price.

Incentivized